Vitamin D supplementation for children with respiratory infections

Vitamin D comes primarily from exposure to sunlight. It is found in only a few foods such as oily fish, eggs and fortified dairy products. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone growth and may also play an important role in immune system regulation.

In addition to causing rickets, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and bronchiolitis. Pneumonia is the most severe form of acute lower respiratory tract infections and is the leading cause of death in children worldwide.

Some studies have suggested that vitamin D supplementation can decrease the frequency and severity of respiratory infections among children. There is a need for further research before recommendations can be made.